The NBL26 season is heading into Round Four, and with most teams well into their campaigns, it’s the perfect time to take stock of the league’s elite players.
Who’s been dominating early? Who’s setting the pace in the MVP race?
From new faces making an instant impact, to former NBA talents showcasing their pedigree, and last season’s MVP proving he’s still got it – the competition is fierce.
Here’s a look at the Top 5 players in the NBL so far this season in our NBL MVP Power Rankings!
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Who’s leading the race for NBL MVP early in the season?Source: FOX SPORTS
5 | JACK MCVEIGH | FORWARD | CAIRNS TAIPANS
Jack McVeigh has been a revelation for the Taipans this season – and the man with the keys to the city hasn’t disappointed.
Averaging 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists, McVeigh has been the driving force behind a Taipans side sitting at 2-2.
There were questions before the season about whether he could truly lead a team as the number one option. So far, he’s answered them emphatically.
McVeigh has been super efficient, shooting an impressive 53% from the field on forty-nine attempts, while setting career highs across the board – points, rebounds, assists, and field-goal percentage.
If he maintains this level and Cairns continue to rise once fully healthy, McVeigh could climb even higher in these rankings. For Taipans fans, it’s clear they’ve locked in a top-five player this season – and he’s still getting better.
36ers down Taipans | 01:10
4 | KENDRIC DAVIS | GUARD | SYDNEY KINGS
The NBL25 MVP runner-up enters this season with a new team and a clear goal – to make the NBA. And while he’s only played two games, both have been nothing short of spectacular.
Davis is averaging 24 points, two rebounds and three assists, embracing a more aggressive scoring role with the Sydney Kings compared to his scoring-facilitator approach last year.
Through the early rounds, he’s putting up 22 field goal attempts per game, connecting on 45% from the field. There’s still room for growth as the Kings continue to find their rhythm, but Davis already looks every bit the dynamic star Sydney hoped for.
The Kings sit at 1-1 after a dominant twenty-two-point win over the New Zealand Breakers, and Davis will again be central when they face Melbourne United this week.
His MVP-level form hasn’t dipped – it’s simply evolved. If he can lift his playmaking and balance his scoring load, we might be watching the early frontrunner for the league’s top individual honour.
Davis stars as Kings crush Breakers | 01:07
3 | BRYCE HAMILTON | GUARD | TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
Bryce Hamilton has been nothing short of a star to start the NBL26 season – and it always felt inevitable.
Averaging 20 points, five rebounds and three assists while shooting an efficient 50% from the field, Hamilton has been a driving force behind the JackJumpers’ impressive 3-1 start.
His patience and leadership have stood out early, guiding Tasmania through key moments and setting the tone offensively. In his first two games alone, Hamilton poured in 50 points combined, a remarkable feat for a player still adjusting to the NBL’s pace and officiating style.
There’s still room for growth, but Hamilton’s current production, composure, and consistency already make him a genuine NBL MVP contender.
With the JackJumpers exceeding expectations and Hamilton continuing to shine, expect him to hold a firm spot in the top five all season long.
Wildcats hand NBL champs another defeat! | 00:55
2 | JAVALE MCGEE | CENTRE | ILLAWARRA HAWKS
A three-time NBA champion and Team USA gold medallist, JaVale McGee has wasted no time reminding every one of his pedigree.
Despite the Hawks’ 0-2 start, McGee has been nothing short of dominant, averaging 29 points, thirteen rebounds, and two assists while shooting an outrageous 67% from the field.
His impact goes beyond scoring – McGee’s mix of relentless offence and elite defence has him also averaging three steals and two blocks per game, putting him firmly among the league’s most unstoppable forces.
At 37 years old, his ability to perform at this level is remarkable. While the Hawks continue to build chemistry and find their groove, McGee’s brilliance has been undeniable – and he’s very unlucky not to sit at number one on this list.
Cotton scores 39 as 36ers beat Bullets | 00:59
1 | BRYCE COTTON | GUARD | ADELAIDE 36ERS
Bryce Cotton has wasted no time winning over the Adelaide 36ers faithful, leading them to a 2–0 start and putting himself firmly in the mix for a sixth NBL MVP. His start has been nothing short of sensational – averaging 33 points, six assists, and three rebounds while shooting a blistering 61% from the field.
Now operating more as a primary ball handler, Cotton’s role has evolved from pure scorer to a dynamic point guard who sets up teammates and picks his own moments to strike. His blend of patience, control, and lethal efficiency has made Adelaide one of the toughest teams to stop early in the season.
It’s a new team, a new city – but the same old Bryce Cotton: relentless, composed, and chasing greatness. The only question left is whether he can defy history once again… or if he’ll soon be adding another MVP trophy to an already legendary career.